Dodgers Rumors: Players not on the 40-man that will make playoff roster
By Jason Reed
Charlie Culberson – Infielder
When researching for this article, my initial intents was to limit the list to three people. However, I was completely shocked to see that Charlie Culberson was not on the 40-man roster. Sure, he is not the most flashy, decorated player. He has, however, served some time with the big league club, and gave us the Hollywood ending to Vin Scully’s career.
“Swung on, a high fly ball to deep left field! […] And the Dodgers have clinched the division and will celebrate on schedule.”
Charlie Culberson’s walk off home run to secure the NL West in the tenth inning against the Colorado Rockies would end up being Vin Scully’s last call in Dodger Stadium. As bittersweet as it was, Culberson will always be remembered for that shot.
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However, that should not take away from the fact that he could provide some valuable depth to the Dodgers during the postseason. Right now, every infielder on the Dodgers 40-man roster except Rob Segedin is in the big leagues. While Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor could also play infield, what the Dodgers have now is all they have.
That is, unless the Dodgers bring Culberson into the mix to fill voids at third base, second base or shortstop. Being in the NL, the double switch will be immensely important late in games. Even if manager Dave Roberts needs to take out Corey Seager to do so, if the time is right, it will be done.
That is why having Culberson is so important. He may not have the most high-profile bat, but he has flexibility in the infield. For the most part, he will give the Dodgers better fielding in the infield than Hernandez or Taylor and allows the duo to stay in the outfield.
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For the Dodgers, bringing up Culberson is tactical. With the genius that is Dave Roberts, utilizing Culberson will be very important this October.